ADGP's warning to Sri Lankan refugees

Undertake illegal sea journey to Australia, face legal action, was the message from the coastal security group to Sri Lankan refugees residing in the camps across Tamil Nadu.

TNN | Apr 20, 2013, 01:10 IST

MADURAI: Undertake illegal sea journey to Australia, face legal action, was the message from the coastal security group to Sri Lankan refugees residing in the camps across Tamil Nadu
. C Sylendra Babu, additional director general of police, coastal security group, who visited a camp at Madurai on Friday warned that henceforth legal action would be initiated against the refugees if they were caught during their clandestine journey to Australia and other islands seeking greener pastures. "So far, legal action was being initiated against touts who lure refugees into the dangerous journey. But, henceforth, the refugees would also face action," he told the refugees at Anayur camp, hoping to deter them from such illegal acts.

Sylendra Babu said that several Sri Lankan Tamils lost their lives during the attempt to reach Australia, New Zealand and Christmas Island in the last two years. Sri Lankan Tamils are risking their lives by taking such dangerous journeys measuring distance between 3,500 and 5,700 km in incapable ferries.

Addressing them, he said that refugees undertake such travels believing agents. But the money-minded agents do not bother about the precious lives of the people. They eye only the money. They collect huge amount from the refugees even up to Rs 2.5 lakh for the journey, he said.

He also referred to the recent incident in which 120 refugees from various camps in the state who undertook a journey to Australia lost their way in mid-sea due to a snag in the vessel. "The boat was too small to accommodate such a large number. The lives of the people were at stake as they were on an impossible journey. Leaving the refugees in lurch, the boatman and agent abandoned the boat and escaped. Fortunately, coastal guards saved them based on information," he said.

"The refugees undertake the high-risk journey eyeing benefits and subsidies provided by some countries. In reality, the journey does not benefit the refugees. It would only benefit the agents who make handsome money," Babu added. He urged the refugees to stop undertaking the illegal journey.

Highlighting the measures provided by the state government for the refugees, he said that they are getting many benefits so that they can lead a better life here. He also strictly warned the agents who woo the innocent people for their earnings. The agents would be severely punished under the law.

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